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What to Do If Dog Chasing You While Cycling

How to handle a dog chasing you while cycling in the countryside is always a popular topic. In our Ontario bike club we once had a member bitten by a dog during a ride.

While cycling in the Finger Lakes region of New York State with a large group we came to a point where there was a dog on one side of the narrow road eyeing us. On the other side was a barn. We yelled out at the dog “go home”, and in response a voice came out of the barn, “he is home stupid”.

In my experience of bicycle touring across Europe I have yet to find to have a dog chase me or my colleagues. European dogs are used to cyclists and seem to have been trained not to chase.
In North America that is not always the case. I realize that not all dogs chase cyclists, however when they do these are some of the different methods used in handling the situation:

First, if the owner is nearby enlist their help. Some cyclists even explain to the owner that the dogs cannot see the spokes in the wheel when moving

Squirt from the water bottle into the face of the dog, up to 10-15 feet away

Outrun the dog. I find this works if you are at the head of a group but the dog is ready for the followers

Yell “out”, “stop”, or “go home”. This is the method I use and it sometimes even works

Get off the bike and place it between you and dog while backing away

I am sure you may be aware of situations where a dog has either bitten a rider or chased a cyclist off the road injuring them. Be sure you are wearing a bicycle helmet in case you do fall.

I do not know which method works best and would be interested in any feedback. I find the dogs are just protecting their property and will not pursue you too far. At a minimum it adds even more excitement to your riding.